Costa Smeralda

Italy is full of amazing attractions that can make for a memorable multi-day trip. Here are some of the top attractions you might consider visiting:
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7-day itinerary To Costa Smeralda and its surroundings and local food and wine specialties.

What to do in Costa Smeralda Italy?

Giuseppe Baldassarri reviews the best places in Italy.
Here are some of the top attractions you might consider visiting:

Here is a suggested 7-day itinerary for exploring Costa Smeralda and its surroundings while indulging in local food and wine specialties:


Day 1: Arrival in Olbia and transfer to Porto Cervo

- Check into your hotel in Porto Cervo

- Enjoy a traditional Sardinian dinner at a local restaurant, featuring dishes such as culurgiones (Sardinian ravioli), porceddu (roast suckling pig), and seadas (honey and cheese fritters)


Day 2: Beach Day

- Spend the day at one of the stunning beaches in Costa Smeralda, such as Spiaggia del Principe or Capriccioli

- For lunch, try a seafood feast with local specialties such as bottarga (cured fish roe), fregola con arselle (a type of pasta with clams), and grilled or fried fish


Day 3: Explore the Gulf of Arzachena

- Take a boat tour of the Gulf of Arzachena, visiting the islands of La Maddalena and Caprera

- For lunch, stop at a traditional agriturismo for a farm-to-table meal featuring local meats, cheeses, and vegetables


Day 4: Wine Tasting Day

- Visit a local winery for a wine tasting and tour of the vineyards

- For lunch, try a rustic picnic featuring local cheeses, cured meats, and bread, accompanied by the wine you tasted earlier


Day 5: Cultural Exploration of Gallura

- Visit the town of Tempio Pausania for a tour of its historic center and to see the Nuragic complex of Nuraghe Majori

- For lunch, try traditional Gallurese dishes such as zuppa gallurese (bread and cheese soup), agnello alla gallurese (lamb stew), and sebadas (Sardinian cheese fritters)


Day 6: Island Hopping

- Take a ferry to the island of Tavolara and explore its rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters

- For lunch, try local specialties such as bottarga pasta, octopus salad, and grilled fish


Day 7: Departure Day

- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before transferring to the airport for your departure flight


This itinerary is just a sample and can be adjusted based on your preferences and interests. Costa Smeralda and the surrounding areas offer a wealth of activities, from hiking and kayaking to cultural tours and shopping. And of course, there is no shortage of amazing food and wine to try along the way!


Costa Smeralda is a beautiful and exclusive stretch of coastline in northern Sardinia, known for its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and luxury resorts. The area is also home to a rich culinary tradition, with a focus on fresh seafood, meats, cheeses, and vegetables. 


Some of the local food specialties you might encounter include:


- Culurgiones: These are Sardinian ravioli stuffed with potato, mint, and cheese, and served with a tomato or meat sauce.

- Porceddu: This is a traditional Sardinian dish of roasted suckling pig, which is slow-cooked over a wood fire and seasoned with herbs.

- Seadas: These are honey and cheese fritters, served warm with a drizzle of honey.

- Bottarga: This is a cured fish roe that is typically grated over pasta dishes or used as a seasoning in salads and other dishes.

- Cannonau wine: This is a red wine made from the Cannonau grape, which is grown exclusively in Sardinia. It is known for its full-bodied flavor and high tannins.


In addition to its culinary offerings, Costa Smeralda and its surroundings offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as:


- Beaches: The area is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, with crystal-clear waters and white sand.

- Boat tours: You can take a boat tour of the Gulf of Arzachena, visiting nearby islands and stopping at secluded beaches.

- Hiking: There are numerous hiking trails in the area, offering stunning views of the coastline and surrounding countryside.

- Cultural tours: You can visit historic towns and sites, such as Tempio Pausania and the Nuragic complex of Nuraghe Majori.

- Wine tours: Sardinia is home to a number of excellent wineries, offering tours and tastings of local wines.


Overall, Costa Smeralda and its surroundings offer a wonderful combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights, making it a perfect destination for a memorable vacation. 

Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you can book:

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Giuseppe Baldassarri Destination Marketing & Management Consultant

Let’s Create Your Italy

  

Top Italy Things to Do: Explore the Best of Italy
Narration by Baldassarri Giuseppe, Destination Marketing & Management Consultant
"Italy Things to Do | Discover Italy’s Essence"


Introduction to Italy: A Gateway to Culture and History

Italy is not just a destination—it’s a dialogue between the past and present, a journey that begins the moment curiosity awakens. It calls to the traveler’s deeper sense of self, offering not only places to see but emotions to feel. From the cadence of daily life in a sunlit piazza to the majesty of ancient ruins, Italy is a gateway to both discovery and connection.


The Rich Historical Background of Italy

Every stone in Italy tells a story. It’s a country where history is not confined to museums—it lives in the streets, whispers from the amphitheaters, and glows in cathedral stained glass. For the thoughtful traveler, these aren’t just relics of the past—they’re meaningful encounters that spark reflection and awe.


Why Italy is a Must-Visit Destination

Italy moves people, not just through beauty, but through the depth of experience. It satisfies a range of human desires: adventure, meaning, indulgence, and inspiration. Whether it’s a solo traveler seeking introspection or a business guest exploring opportunities, Italy adapts and responds to what each visitor needs, often before they even realize it themselves.


Top Cities to Visit and Things to Do


Rome: The Eternal City

Rome doesn’t ask for your attention—it commands it. Walking through its streets, you're enveloped in a powerful blend of empire, elegance, and everyday life. The Coliseum, the Vatican, the fountains—they’re not just stops on a tour, they’re moments of wonder that shift your inner perspective.


Florence: The Cradle of the Renaissance

Florence awakens a traveler’s imagination. This city breathes art, and its streets are an invitation to think, to feel, and to create. Whether gazing at Michelangelo’s David or sipping wine under Tuscan skies, Florence offers the kind of depth that lingers long after your visit ends.


Italy's Natural Wonders and Landscapes


The Majestic Dolomites

There’s something transformative about standing before the Dolomites. These towering peaks inspire both humility and exhilaration. They’re a space where the external journey meets the internal, where stillness and movement co-exist in sublime balance.


The Beautiful Amalfi Coast

This coastline doesn’t just please the eye—it stirs the heart. Clinging to cliffs and kissed by Mediterranean sun, the Amalfi Coast is a sensory poem. Every winding road, every sea breeze, speaks to life’s richness and the joy of slowing down to savor it.


Culinary Delights: Italy Things to Do for Food Lovers


A Journey Through Italian Cuisine

Food in Italy is not merely nourishment—it’s a narrative, a celebration, and often, a love letter to tradition. Sharing a meal becomes a bridge to understanding the culture, the people, and the land itself. It’s where authenticity meets generosity, plate by plate.


Must-Try Dishes Across Italy

From truffle risotto in the north to Neapolitan pizza in the south, every dish tells a regional story. Each bite is a chance to experience place and memory simultaneously, reminding us how powerful and emotional taste can be when rooted in identity.


Cultural Experiences: Engaging with Italian Art and Festivals

Festivals in Italy are not staged performances—they are living traditions. Whether it’s a medieval reenactment in Siena or a contemporary art show in Venice, these events pull you in, not as a spectator, but as a participant in something timeless and heartfelt.


Travel Tips for Exploring Italy

To fully enjoy Italy, travel with an open mind and a responsive heart. The most enriching journeys are not always the ones most planned—they’re the ones where you allow space for emotion, spontaneity, and unexpected connections. Italy rewards those who travel with awareness, curiosity, and care.


Conclusion: Discover Italy’s Essence

Italy is more than a list of attractions. It’s an emotional experience that evolves with every step, every conversation, every sensation. Italy is the ultimate destination for those who seek not just to see but to feel. And its essence? It lies in how deeply it moves you. 


– Baldassarri Giuseppe

Esplore Infinite Beauties in Italy